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General Memory Module Installation Guidelines
Memory Sparing
Memory Mirroring
Sample Memory Configurations
I/O Module Daughter Card
Activating the Integrated NIC TOE
Processors
Server Module Battery
Hard Drives
Removing a Hard Drive
Configuring the Boot Drive
information on using the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC).
on using the remote management features of the system.
your system.
and basic operation of the software.
operating system software.
and install these options.
and/or documentation.
or
Rack Installation Instructions
provides an overview of system features, setting up your system, and
provides information
on initial configuration of the server modules and
.
included with your rack solution
provides detailed
NOTE: Always check for updates on support.dell.com and read the updates first because they often
supersede information in other documents.
•Release notes or readme files may be included to provide last-minute updates to the system or
documentation or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or
technicians.
About Your System9
System Overview
Your system can include up to ten server modules (or blades) (see Figure 1-1). Each server module
functions as an individual server encompassing up to two microprocessors, up to two hot-pluggable hard
drives, and up to eight memory modules. To function as a system, a server module is inserted into a
chassis that supports power supplies, fan modules, a management module (Dell
Controller/Modular Chassis [DRAC/MC]), a KVM switch module, and at least one I/O module for
network connectivity. The power supplies, fans, DRAC/MC, and I/O modules are shared resources of the
server modules in the chassis. In addition, your system may also ship with an optional external USB
diskette drive and an optional external USB CD drive, which you can use to set up and configure the
server modules.
NOTE: To ensure proper operation and cooling, all bays must be populated at all times with either a server module
or with a blank.
Figure 1-1. Server Modules
12345678910
™
Remote Access
This section describes the major hardware and software features of your system and provides information
about the indicators on the system's front and back panels. It also provides information about other
documents you may need when setting up your system and how to obtain technical assistance.
System Status Features
The chassis has front-panel control features including power and identification buttons and indicators
(see Figure 1-2). Press the power button to turn on the system; press and hold the power button to turn
off the system. Pressing the identification button activates the identification indicator on both the front
and back (on the KVM module) of the system. Table 1-1 shows the status features.
10About Your System
Figure 1-2. Front-Panel Control and Indicators
1
2
3
4
1system power indicator2system power button3identification indicator
4identification button
Table 1-1. System Status Features
Indicator TypeIconIndicatorIndicator Code
System power
button
N/ANoneTurns the system on and off. Press to turn on the system.
Press and hold 10 seconds to turn off the system.
NOTE: The system power button controls power to all of the
server modules and I/O modules in the chassis.
System power
indicator
Identification
button
N/ANoneTurns on the identification indicators on both the front and
OffSystem does not have power.
GreenSystem power is on.
AmberSystem is plugged in but is not turned on.
back (on the KVM switch module) of the chassis.
About Your System11
Table 1-1. System Status Features (continued)
Indicator TypeIconIndicatorIndicator Code
Identification
indicator
OffChassis is not being identified. This is the default.
Amber, slow
blinking
Amber, fast
blinking
Chassis is being identified. Either the front or back
identification button has been pressed. This indicator can
be turned off by pressing the identification button.
System error. Will stop blinking when the error is resolved.
Server Module Features
Each server module has one power button and one KVM module selection button on the front (see
Figure 1-3). The indicators include a power indicator, network link indicators, and a KVM module
indicator. The server module also has a custom port on the front of the module. Use the custom cable
included with your system to connect this port to two USB devices (for example, USB diskette drive,
USB CD drive, USB mouse) and to video.
NOTE: The USB devices can only be connected by using the custom cable supplied with the system.
12About Your System
Figure 1-3. Server Module Indicators
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1server module power indicator 2server module power button3KVM selection indicator
4KVM selection button5daughter card status indicator 6Ethernet network indicator
7custom port (with custom
cable - USB [2] and video)
About Your System13
Table 1-2 provides information about the status indicators.
Table 1-2. Server Module Features and Indicators
IndicatorIconActivity IndicatorIndicator Code
Server module
power indicator
Server module
power button
N/ANoneTurns server module power off and on.
OffPower is not available to the server module, the server
module is not turned on, or the server module is installed
incorrectly. For detailed information on installing a server
module, see "Server Modules" on page 73.
GreenThe module is turned on.
Green blinking fastThe module power is on and there is a fault with the server
module.
Green blinking slowlyThe module power is on and the server module is being
remotely identified via the DRAC/MC.
AmberThe module power is off, but the system power is on.
Amber blinking slowlyThe module power is off and the server module is being
remotely identified via the DRAC/MC.
Amber blinking fastThe module power is off and there is a fault with the server
module.
• If you turn off the module using the power button and
the module is running an ACPI-compliant operating
system, the module can perform an orderly shutdown
before the power is turned off.
• If the module is not running an ACPI-compliant
operating system, power is turned off immediately after
the power button is pressed.
• Press and hold the button to turn off the server module
immediately.
The button is enabled in the System Setup program. When
disabled, you can only use the button to turn on the server
module.
14About Your System
Table 1-2. Server Module Features and Indicators (continued)
IndicatorIconActivity IndicatorIndicator Code
KVM selection
indicator
KVM selection
button
Daughter card
status indicator
(Infiniband card
installed)
Daughter card
status indicator
(Fibre channel
daughter card
installed)
Daughter card
status indicator
(Gb Ethernet
daughter card
installed)
Daughter card
status indicator
(TOE NIC
daughter card
installed)
N/ANoneSelects the server module for use with the KVM located on
I/OOffDaughter card is not installed.
I/OOffDaughter card is not installed.
I/OOffDaughter card is not installed.
I/OOffDaughter card is not installed.
OffThe server module is not selected by the KVM.
GreenThe server module is selected for the KVM.
Amber blinkingThe server module is not selected by the KVM and a power
fault exists.
Green/amber blinkingThe server module is selected for the KVM and a power fault
exists.
the back of the system. See "Avocent Analog KVM Switch
Module" on page 22 for information on selecting a server
module by using the keyboard.
GreenInfiniband daughter card is installed, but no traffic is
detected.
Green blinkingInfiniband daughter card is present and data transfers are
occurring.
GreenA link exists.
Green blinkingFibre channel daughter-card data transfers are occurring.
GreenA link exists.
Green blinkingGb Ethernet daughter-card data transfers are occurring.
GreenA link exists.
Green blinkingTOE NIC daughter card is installed and data transfers are
occurring.
About Your System15
Table 1-2. Server Module Features and Indicators (continued)
IndicatorIconActivity IndicatorIndicator Code
Network indicatorsOffIndicates that the server module does not have a link to the
Ethernet switch or pass-through module.
Green onIndicates that the server module has a valid link to the
network switch module.
Green blinkingIndicates network activity between the server module and
the network switch module.
NOTE: External network activity is not reported by this
indicator.
NOTE: This network indicator may also blink green due to
systems management activity if you use the integrated NIC to
remotely access your system’s Baseboard Management
Controller (BMC). See "Baseboard Management Controller
Configuration" on page 54.
USB/video
connector
NoneUse the custom cable to connect external USB devices and
video to the server module.
Using USB Diskette or USB CD Drives
Each server module has a USB port on the front of the server module which allows you to connect a
custom cable for a diskette drive or USB CD drive. The USB drives are used to configure the server
module.
NOTICE: The system supports only Dell-branded USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 drives. The drive must be horizontal and level
to operate properly.
NOTE: If the drive must be designated as the boot drive, connect the USB drive, restart the system, then enter the
System Setup Program and set the drive as first in the boot sequence (see "Using the System Setup Program" on
page 43). The USB device will be displayed in the boot order setup screen only if it is attached to the system before
you run the System Setup program.
Hard-Drive Features
Each server module supports one or two hot-pluggable SAS hard drives, or one or two hot-pluggable
SATA hard drives. See Figure 1-4 and Table 1-3 for information on the hard-drive indicators. Different
patterns are displayed as drive events occur in the system.
NOTICE: Each server module must have a hard drive or a hard-drive blank installed in each hard-drive bay.
NOTICE: You cannot install a SAS drive and a SATA drive within a given server module (blade). However, you can
install server modules (blades) with SAS drives and server modules with SATA drives in the same server enclosure.
16About Your System
Figure 1-4. Hard-Drive Features and Indicators
1drive activity indicator2drive status indicator
NOTE: The hard-drive status indicator is only functional for RAID hard drive configurations.
For non-RAID configurations, only the drive-activity indicator is active.
1
2
Table 1-3. Hard-Drive Status Indicator Patterns (RAID Configurations Only)
Status Indicator StateIndicator Code
Off
GreenDrive is online.
Green, blinking slowlyDrive is rebuilding.
Green, blinking quicklyDrive is being identified.
AmberDrive has failed or has an error. See "Troubleshooting Hard
Amber blinking slowly,
green blinking slowly, then off
• Drive is ready for removal.
• Drive bay is empty.
• Power is off to the server module.
Drives" on page 113.
The drive has reported a predictive failure event, and should
be replaced.
About Your System17
Back-Panel Features
The back of the chassis supports four I/O module bays, the DRAC/MC, fan modules, and power supply
modules. Figure 1-5 shows a sample configuration and the numbering for the bays. Table 1-4 provides
information about the back-panel features.
Power supply modulesProvide information about power status (see "Power Supply Indicator Codes" on
page 20).
Fan modules Provide information about status of the system fans (see "Fan Module Indicators"
on page 21).
KVM moduleProvides information about the KVM module (see "KVM Modules" on page 22).
DRAC/MC module Provides information about system status, system management status, and port
status (see "DRAC/MC Module" on page 26).
PowerConnect™ 5316M
Ethernet switch module
Fibre Channel pass-through
module
Fibre Channel switch moduleProvides information about the Fibre Channel network status (see "Fibre
Infiniband pass-through
module
Gb pass-through moduleProvides information about the network status (see "Gb Ethernet Pass-through
Provides information about the 10/100/1000 BASE-T network status (see
"PowerConnect 5316M Ethernet Switch Module" on page 29).
Provides information about the Fibre Channel network status (see "Fibre
Channel Pass-Through Module" on page 31).
Channel Switch Module" on page 32).
Provides information about the Infiniband network status (see "Infiniband Passthrough Module" on page 32).
Module" on page 33).
Power Supply Indicator
Each hot-pluggable power supply has indicators that provide information about power status, fault, and
the presence of AC power (see Figure 1-6). Table 1-5 lists the power supply indicator codes.
NOTE: Only 2100-W power supply modules are supported on your system. The 2100-W power supply modules
require 180–240 V input from a PDU capable of providing AC current up to 29.2 A at 180 V input. If the power supply
modules are plugged into 110-V electrical outlets, the system will not power up.
About Your System19
Figure 1-6. Power Supply Indicators
1
3
2
1fault indicator2AC power present indicator3DC power indicator
Table 1-5. Power Supply Indicator Codes
IndicatorIconActivity
Indicator
DC power indicatorGreenThe power supply is operational.
Fault indicatorAmberThe power supply is in a fault condition. The fault
AC power present
indicator
GreenAC power is present at the power supply and the system
Indicator Code
condition can result from either a failed power supply
or a failed fan within the power supply. See "Power
Supply Modules" on page 58.
is connected to an AC power source.
20About Your System
Fan Module Indicators
Each hot-pluggable fan module contains two redundant fans (see Figure 1-7). Table 1-6 lists the fan
indicator codes.
Fan 1 fault indicatorOffFan 1 is operating normally.
Amber Fan 1 has failed. See "Fan Modules" on page 59.
Fan 2 present indicatorOffFan 2 is not installed.
GreenFan 2 is installed.
About Your System21
Table 1-6. Fan Module Indicator Codes (continued)
IndicatorActivity IndicatorIndicator Code
Fan 2 fault indicatorOffFan 2 is operating normally.
Amber Fan 2 has failed. See "Fan Modules" on page 59.
KVM Modules
Your system includes one of the KVM modules described in this section:
•Avocent Analog KVM switch module (standard)
•Avocent Digital Access KVM switch module (optional)
NOTE: Earlier versions of KVM modules are not supported on your system.
Avocent Analog KVM Switch Module
The Avocent Analog KVM switch module provides a custom connection for a keyboard, video (monitor),
and mouse to monitor a server module. (You must use the custom cable provided with your system to
connect the KVM to the external devices.)
NOTE: Your system has two custom cables—one that connects to the front of the server module to connect two
USB devices and video, and a second cable that connects to the KVM to provide two PS/2 connections and a video
connection. The cables are not interchangeable. It is recommended that you keep these custom cables available.
The switch module also provides an Analog Console Interface (ACI) port, which allows you to connect a
server module via Cat5 cabling to an external device such as the Dell 2161DS Digital console switch or
Dell 180AS/2160AS analog console switches, without the need for a Server Interface Pod (SIP.)
NOTE: Although the ACI port is an RJ-45 connector and uses Cat5 cabling, it is not an Ethernet network interface
port. It is only used for connection to external KVM switches with Analog Rack Interface (ARI) ports.
NOTE: The ACI port can only be used to connect to ARI ports on Dell console switches. To connect to other types or
brands of switches, including Avocent switches, you must connect to the switch’s PS2 and video ports using the
proprietary dongle provided with that switch.
22About Your System
Figure 1-8 shows the external features on the Avocent Analog KVM switch module.
Figure 1-8. Avocent Analog KVM Switch Module
1
2
3
4
1ACI port2custom connector for custom
cable (PS/2 [2] and video)
4power indicator
3identification indicator
The Avocent Analog KVM switch module also includes an identification indicator (see Figure 1-8).
Table 1-7 describes the indicators and features on this switch module.
Table 1-7. Avocent Analog KVM Switch Module Indicators and Features
FeatureActivity IndicatorIndicator Code
Identification
indicator
Power indicatorOffKVM switch does not have power.
Custom
connector
ACI portNoneAllows connection of one or more servers to a Dell console
OffChassis is not being identified.
Amber blinkingChassis is being identified.
GreenKVM switch has power.
NoneAllows two PS/2 and one video device to be connected to the
system.
switch with an Analog Rack Interface (ARI) port, such as a
digital or analog console switch.
About Your System23
Avocent Digital Access KVM Switch Module
The optional Avocent Digital Access KVM switch module allows you to configure and manage the server
modules through a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. You select server modules using the On-Screen
Configuration and Reporting (OSCAR) graphical user interface (GUI).
The Avocent Digital Access KVM switch module includes the following features:
•Analog KVM switching
This switch can be used as an Analog switch, allowing local KVM switching through direct connection
of a keyboard, monitor and mouse; or tiered into external analog KVM switches. This switch uses the
same OSCAR interface as the Avocent Analog KVM switch to switch between server modules.
The Digital Access KVM switch provides a custom connector which brings out PS2/video ports. These
ports can be directly connected to a keyboard, monitor, and mouse, or tiered into an external analog
KVM switch with KVM ports. If you are connecting the Digital Access KVM switch to an external
KVM switch using Cat5 connectors/ACI ports, that switch’s dongle (PS2/video to Cat5) is required.
NOTE: The Avocent Digital Access KVM module differs from the Avocent Analog KVM module in that the
Digital Access KVM switch module does not have an ACI port; it has an Ethernet network interface.
•Remote control of Virtual Media and virtual KVM
After connecting to your network using the switch’s Ethernet connection, use the system’s DRAC/MC
GUI to select Media and/or console and which server module to connect to.
NOTE: You must connect the switch’s Ethernet port into the same network as the DRAC/MC port.
You can then use the switch’s Virtual Media and virtual KVM features:
–Virtual Media – Using this feature, you can remotely map local drives on a management
workstation to the server module, or boot a server module to a remote diskette, optical drive, or
USB key. For example, you can remotely perform operating system installation, operating system
recovery, BIOS updates, and other functions.
–Virtual KVM – You can remotely control the server modules from any location, using the digital
KVM and an OS-independent graphical console.
24About Your System
Figure 1-9 shows the external features of the Avocent Digital Access KVM switch module.
Figure 1-9. Avocent Digital Access KVM Switch Module
1
2
1RJ-45 connector (Ethernet
interface)
2custom connector (for custom
KVM cable - PS/2 [2] and
video)
About Your System25
DRAC/MC Module
2
The DRAC/MC provides serial and Ethernet management ports, a status indicator when redundant
DRAC/MCs are installed (when available), and status indicators for the DRAC/MC and for the link to
the system's onboard network interface controller (see Figure 1-10). See the documentation for the
DRAC/MC module for specific information on serial port redirection of server modules and switches.
Table 1-8 provides information about the status indicators.
Amber blinking Indicates that the system DRAC/MC and the LAN are
26About Your System
Indicator Code
communicating.
Table 1-8. DRAC/MC Module Indicators (continued)
Indicator TypeIconActivity
Indicator
Primary/secondary
indicator
Fault indicatorOffThe DRAC/MC is operating normally.
Serial connectorNoneUsed for a serial connection with a null modem cable.
OffThe DRAC/MC is a backup for the master DRAC/MC.
GreenThe DRAC/MC is active for system management.
Green blinkingThe DRAC/MC is in special or manufacturing mode.
AmberIn a single (nonredundant) configuration, this DRAC/MC failed.
Amber blinkingIn a dual (redundant) configuration (when available), this
Indicator Code
NOTE: For information on availability of dual (redundant)
configurations for the DRAC/MC, see www.dell.com.
See "DRAC/MC Module" on page 61.
DRAC/MC failed. See "DRAC/MC Module" on page 61.
Important I/O Configuration Considerations
Insure that you read the DRAC/MC module’s readme.txt file. It contains updated information, including
system indicator behavior in certain conditions.
CAUTION: Data loss can result if you perform certain actions on a system in which the I/O bays have not been
configured correctly. Specifically, bay 2 should have an I/O module installed only if a module of the same fabric
type is present in bay 1, and bay 4 should have an I/O module installed only if a module of the same fabric type is
present in bay 3. Except in these cases (or in a case where you temporarily need to swap a failed I/O module in
bay 1 or 3), bays 2 and 4 should be unoccupied.
Unless your system is configured according to these guidelines, do not perform any of the following actions:
•
Upgrade DRAC/MC firmware
•
Issue a software reset command for a DRAC/MC, such as racadm racreset
•
Reseat a DRAC/MC module
•
Cause a DRAC/MC failover event, such as removing the network cable from the primary DRAC/MC, or rebooting
a switch that the DRAC/MC cable is connected to
Performing any of these actions will power off and stop traffic on the bay 2 or bay 4 I/O module, resulting in data loss.
When initiated, the DRAC/MC firmware algorithm must find a module in bay 1 before bay 2 and a
module in bay 3 before bay 4. Otherwise, the module in bay 2 or bay 4 will be powered off if you perform
a firmware upgrade procedure on the DRAC/MC, cause a DRAC/MC failover, or reset the DRAC/MC.
See the current Dell Remote Access Controller/Modular Chassis User's Guide at support.dell.com for
more information about configuring your DRAC/MC system.
About Your System27
DRAC/MC Firmware Requirements
The minimum DRAC/MC firmware requirement for your system is version 1.3 or later. If you are adding
a second DRAC/MC module with version 1.0 to support redundancy, you must upgrade the module’s
firmware to version 1.1, then upgrade the firmware to version 1.3 (or later).
NOTE: A DRAC/MC module’s firmware version is displayed on its web-based GUI or by typing the command
getsysinfo or racadm getsysinfo.
See the latest Dell Remote Access Controller/Modular Chassis User's Guide at support.dell.com for more
information about firmware updates and installing redundant DRAC/MC modules. This guide also
provides complete instructions on how to set up and operate that version of the module.
I/O Connectivity
The system offers several options for connectivity through a combination of embedded Ethernet
controllers, optional I/O daughter cards on the server module, and chassis I/O modules in the rear of the
chassis. An I/O module's green system/diagnostic indicator is off when the module is properly operating
or is off and blinks when the module is not properly operating.
Guidelines for Installing Connectivity Modules
The following guidelines must be used when populating I/O modules. See Figure 1-5 for I/O bay
locations.
•Insert a connectivity module into I/O bay 1 before installing a connectivity module into I/O bay 2.
Ensure that the connectivity modules installed in I/O bays 1 and 2 are of the same fabric type.
•Insert a connectivity module into I/O bay 3 before installing a connectivity module into I/O bay 4.
Ensure that the connectivity modules installed in I/O bays 3 and 4 are of the same fabric type.
•I/O bay 3 connects to port 1 on the daughter card (optional) installed in the server module.
–This bay must be populated if there is a daughter card installed in the server module.
–The type of I/O module installed in this bay must match the type of daughter card installed in the
server module. For example, a Fibre Channel I/O module requires that a Fibre Channel daughter
card be installed in the server module.
28About Your System
Table 1-9 lists the valid I/O module configurations. See Figure 1-5 for I/O bay locations.
The PowerConnect 5316M Ethernet switch module is a 16-port switch with 6 uplinks and 10 downlinks
(see Figure 1-11). The uplinks connect to the external Ethernet network and operate at 1/2/4 Gb. The
downlinks connect to the embedded Ethernet controller on the server module and operate at 1 Gb only.
The PowerConnect 5316M Ethernet switch module is hot-pluggable. To provide connectivity into
separate Ethernet networks, two switch modules can be installed in bays I/O 1 and I/O 2 (see Figure 1-5).
I/O bays 3 and 4 require that you install a Gb Ethernet daughter card in the server module. If redundancy
is not required, the switch module must be installed in I/O 1 bay. The switch module has an internal
serial port that communicates with the DRAC/MC module. Table 1-10 lists the indicators on each switch
module. For additional information about the PowerConnect 5316M Ethernet switch module, see the
documentation that shipped with the module.
About Your System29
Figure 1-11. PowerConnect 5316M Ethernet Switch Module Indicators and Features